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A simple blog about being vegan in Toronto.

9 Best Online Stores for Vegan Shoes and Handbags

No girl’s closet is complete without a collection of shoes and handbags. And while sourcing vegan fashion in Toronto can be a little tough, online offers some great options. Here is a list of some of the best online stores for vegans or those looking to support sustainable fashion:

Canadian owned, Matt & Nat, launched in 1995 in Montreal with the motto “live beautifully”. Matt & Nat, which stands for material and nature, is a line of handbags that features all man-made materials, which are eco-friendly and sustainable. But you would never know these bags are all non-leather. The brand also values social responsibility that includes full transparency of their manufacturing practices. Celebrities such as Charlize Theron and Natalie Portman have become patrons too.

Melie Bianco handbags are 100% vegan, affordable and use fair trade principles. These bags have been featured in Glamour, Instyle, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan to name a few. The brand prides itself on creating exciting silhouettes and trend driven looks without comprising on quality. Using all man-made materials that look and feel like real leather, the effect is a purse that looks luxurious but offers cruelty-free fashion.

Wilby launched in 2013 in London, England, specializing in vegan clutches. They have since expanded to totes and small handbags, shipping worldwide. The brand aims to be both ethical and fashionable and at the same time help the environment. All material is organic and eco-friendly, while upholding British craftsmanship.

LaBante started in 2009 with the ethos “#FashionWithRespect”. All materials used in the creation of their bags are ethically sourced in a humane manner. The brand’s overall classic designs offer women a style for the day or evening. And they are PETA approved.

Olsenhaus is a vegan shoe line, started in 2008 by Elizabeth Olsen, an animal rights advocate. Elizabeth not only wanted to bring attention to the inhumane practices of the leather industry but also to merge fashion with social responsibility. Her clientele includes Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, just to name a few.

BoBo was started after founder, Alice, was unhappy with the selection of vegan footwear. From there she decided to start her own line. Stylish and comfortable, these shoes merge the best of both worlds, fashion with a good cause. And who doesn’t want to support a good cause when spending money?

Did you think it was possible to have good Italian handcrafted shoes minus the leather? Well that is inspiration behind Noah. Maintaining a traditional Italian craftsmanship with worker-friendly conditions and the use of 100% vegan materials. Wearing these shoes is definitely an expression of fashionable yet responsible lifestyle.

Beyond Skin identifies themselves as a luxury designer brand of shoes. And it’s easy to see why. They offer everything from flats to 5-inch heels in bright colors and unique designs, proving that ethical fashion doesn’t need to compromise on style.

Probably one of the more mainstream stores for vegan fashion, Moo Shoes sells various cruelty-free shoes, bags and accessories brands. Started in 2001 in Manhattan, the store expanded online, shipping worldwide and a second store opening in LA in 2014. The brand also supports local vegan charities, including animal rescue efforts.